Last Epiphany, or Transfiguration Sunday, is for us here on Parade Route A most commonly thought of as Joe Cain Sunday. Perhaps our local situation in the midst of Mardi Gras revelry is not entirely unrelated to the theological implications of the Transfiguration.

The season after the Epiphany focuses on the revealing to all people of the glory of God’s Son. This season culminates with the mountaintop transfiguration of Jesus into the image of his divine majesty, a prefiguring for the disciples present of the ultimate purpose behind what was about to be accomplished in Jerusalem. Also revealed here is the fulfillment in Jesus of God’s promises to his people beginning in the “old covenant” of the patriarchs and prophets.

The moment of Jesus’ radiant appearance, along with Moses and Elijah, was brief—the disciples glimpsed it, and then immediately the brightness was obscured by a cloud from which God spoke, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” As soon as these words were spoken, the vision disappeared. Afterwards, the disciples did not tell anyone about what they had seen.

God’s glory exists in all things created, although it often lies deeply hidden. Like Peter and his companions, we can—if we are awake and aware—experience moments of revealing in our lives, times when God’s love, God’s transcending of our brokenness is visible to us and felt. This can occur in moments of joy and laughter with those we love, in the kindness and care extended to us by others, in the unearned second chances that come our way. All of these point us in the direction of the Transfiguration that we will someday experience face-to-face with God.

Even in the upside-down Carnival revelry that is Mardi Gras, we can experience some of those moments of joy and wonder. We will be having church this Sunday, in the middle of all the downtown activity. Remember that you will need the green pass included in your last Messenger in order to get through the barricades to reach Christ Church. Parking will be along the street, and your pass should be visible through your windshield.

We will give thanks for this year’s Courts and pray for their health and safety in our Prayers of the People this week. Enjoy the fun! Remember that on Ash Wednesday, our bishop, Russell, will be with us for both services, at noon and 5:30. See you on Parade Route A!